10 Best RV Refrigerator Reviews 2023 – Buying Guide

,Going for a camping trip in your RV and need to keep your foods and beverages chilled or frozen?

Of course, you need to. After all, how do you expect your foods to remain fresh for the length of the trip you'll be far from your home refrigerator?

The best RV refrigerator offers you the perfect solution for preventing your food from going bad in your RV.

Top RV Refrigerator 2023 by Editors' Picks

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• Bestseller No. 1
  
  SMETA Propane Refrigerator with Freezer, Large Gas Fridge Absorption Camping Refrigerator...
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  NORCOLD INC 2-Way Ac/Lp 2Dr Rh 8' Rv Refrigerator
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  DOMETIC RM1350MIM Refrigerator
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Refrigerator/Freezer for RV, Trucks, Boats, Camping -...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Midea WHD-113FSS1 Compact Refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel
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Whether you're buying your first RV refrigerator or a replacement, this guide will reveal to you the top RV refrigerators on the market today.

Plus, we'll show you an easy buying guide for choosing an awesome unit for your RV.

Our Best RV Refrigerator Reviews:

1. Midea WHD-113FB1 Double Door Mini Fridge

Let's kick off our top rated RV refrigerators reviews with this double door mini fridge from Midea. If you've been to the fridge world, then you already know that Midea Group is one of the largest and most reliable manufacturers of refrigerators and other appliances around the world.

This particular mini-fridge qualifies for use in your RV due to its incredibly compact design that enables it to perfectly fit in the available space on your recreational vehicle. It boasts a freestanding streamlined design that's sure to complement your RV kitchen.

Despite its small size, this mini fridge offers you everything the large units offer you. Its top compact acts as a freezer with more storage than what you get in the traditional models. And then, there's the roomy refrigerator that features a crisper drawer for storing your fruits, veggies, or cheese, a built-in beverage holder, temperature control, and interior light.

Since its doors are reversible, you can easily attach them on the left or right side so that they open in a direction that's most accessible in your RV.

Midea has incorporated a whisper-silent compressor into this mini fridge to ensure it operates silently. Unlike other units, this Midea will not disturb your peace when you want to relax or sleep.

Highlighted Features:

• Refrigerator compartment: 32′ to 50′ F
• Freezer compartment: 11.2′ to 5'F
• Low noise levels (<45dB)
• Adjustable legs
• Reversible door opens from left or right
• Separate fruits and vegetables drawer
• Full 1-year warranty

2. ARB Portable Fridge Freezer

If you're looking for something more portable, consider this ARB portable fridge freezer. This unit makes it possible for you to keep your foods and beverages chilled or frozen as you hit the roads for days in search of new adventures.

The portable unit will maintain an interior temperature of ZERO degrees that translates to true in-vehicle freezing and refrigeration. With a spacious capacity of up to 50 quarts, you can put as many as 72 12-ounce or a 2-liter bottle of cola into this unit.

Note that this freezer can run on both AC and DC power is even compatible with solar panels and generators. This enables you to plug it to shore power when packed and use your battery power when on the road. the two included power cables (AC and DC) ensure easy powering.

RVers love this unit because of its high energy efficiency. When using it with your RV batteries, it draws pretty little amounts of power and can go for days, unlike those models that tend to discharge your batteries overnight. The built-in adjustable automatic battery protection system helps prevent your RV battery run-down.

The fridge freezer comes with a durable design that can withstand all the shaking and vibration while on the go, so it'll stay strong for years to come. The lid itself is injection and UV-stable for maximum longevity. Thanks to the unit's rounded corners and edges, it won't damage your vehicle's upholstery.

Highlighted Features:

• Can maintain the internal temperature at zero degrees
• Built-in 12, 24, 110 and 120-volt facility
• 2 separate power cords included
• Interior bright LED light
• Removable drain plug, lid, and basket for easy cleaning
• Deep storage space for large, upright bottles
• User-friendly thermostat control
• Separate dairy/fruit compartments for easy organization

3. Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

Alpicool is another great fridge/freezer unit suitable for anyone looking for a portable solution for keeping their foods and drinks fresh for longer. The refrigerator has an ideal camping capacity of 16 quarts (15 liter) that can comfortably accommodate up to 20 cans of cola.

Like our previously discussed unit, this fridge can freeze down to -4°F(-20°C) for true in-car refrigeration of your foods and drinks, regardless of the ambient conditions.

The portable fridge comes ready to be powered by either 12V or 24V car batteries. Moreover, it comes with a built-in 3-level car battery protection system that helps ensure your car battery remains charged without cases of run-down.

Regarding the construction, this unit is designed with on the go use in mind. It boasts a vibration resistant design to ensure it remains protected when on the go. It also features sealing property construction plus thick and high-density foam insulation that enables it to continue cooling your food on the go.

The outshell is made of sturdy plastic that makes it durable but lightweight for easy carry.

Highlighted Features:

• Deep chilling down performance
• Capacity: 16 Quart (15 Liter)
• Can be powered by 12V or 24V car battery
• 3 level car battery protection system
• Convenient digital control panel
• Portable handles for easy moving
• Sturdy plastic construction
• Vibration resistant design

4. hOmeLabs 3.3 Cubic Feet Under Counter Refrigerator

If your definition of the best RV mini fridge is a unit that takes up minimal space while offering you a large capacity, then this under-counter model should make it to your list of top options. It measures18.6 x 17.7 x 33.9 inches and offers you up to 3.3 cu. ft. worth of storage space.

It executes its primary job of keeping your favorite foods and beverages cool and fresh for days excellently well. It presents you with up to 3 temperature modes which you can set with a simple turn of the thermostat knob to meet your unique cooling needs.

The unit's door is not only reversible (swings to the right or left), but also comes with a dedicated spot for storing your favorite canned beverages plus a compartment for holding a liter of soda bottle. What's more, the same door has a section for your favorite condiments and other stuff like butter, eggs, etc.

Probably the most exciting part about this unit is its stylus stainless steel finish which makes it a truly stylish addition to your RV. Aside from looks, this finish bears a secret benefit-you can easily write and erase notes it, allowing you to personalize it as you wish!

Highlighted Features:

• Space saving compact refrigerator
• Capacity: 3.3 cubic feet
• Adjustable temperature control
• Reversible door with drinks storage
• 3 removable glass shelves
• Removable drain tray
• Size: 18.6 x 17.7 x 33.9 inches

5. Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator

The Avanti RA7316PST also comes designed to meet the needs of those who need to store a lot of foods and beverages fresh without taking a lot of space, which is why it earns a spot on our RV refrigerator reviews.

This unit has a width and depth measurements of less than 2 ft. and has a pretty small footprint that helps you save a significant amount of space in your RV. Nonetheless, it offers you a pretty large space for storing all your favorite foods and beverages for your road trip or camping trip.

Just like most of the units featured on this list, this unit also features reversible doors for more placement options.

On the inside, you'll greeted by high-quality glass shelves that you can easily remove as well as adjust to maximize the storage space for various items. it also boasts a see-through crisper with glass cover, interior light for easy nighttime use, and an ice cube tray.

Don't forget that this refrigerator is Energy Star rated, making it one of the most efficient RV refrigerator units available.

Highlighted Features:

• Adjustable, removable bin doors
• Adjustable, removable glass shelves
• Interior light
• Armed with reversible doors
• See-through crisper with a glass cover
• Leveling legs included
• Full-range temperature control
• 2-liter bottle compartment on the door
• Dimensions: 55.75″ H x 21.75″ W x 23.5″ D

6. Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator

If looking for the best RV freezer, consider this Whynter portable model. It features a 2-in-1 design, meaning you can use it a freezer or refrigerator. It comes with an adjustable temperature range of -8 to 50 degrees F-allowing you to set the right temperature to keep your food and drinks chilled or frozen.

The unit incorporates a pretty powerful compressor cooling system that works around the clock to ensure your foods stay fresh when RVing. It also offers a bigger storage capacity of up to 65 quarts (equivalent to 105 cans), so it'll comfortably hold all your favorite treats.

As for the power source, this unit can run on both AC and DC power supply. Keep in mind that you can plug in both power source at the same time; in this case, the unit runs on AC by default. but if the AC power fails, it automatically starts using the DC power source. Both the AC and DC power cables are included in the box for easy connection.

The solid and tough powder coated stainless steel housing enables this appliance to hold up to various hardships associated with RVing. Its stainless steel handles ensures easy carry. And the drain plug facilitates easy cleaning.

Highlighted Features:

• Operates as refrigerator or freezer
• 65 quarts (107 cans) capacity
• Adjustable temperature range: -8°F to 50°F
• Compatible with AC and DC power supply
• 2 removable wire baskets
• Power low indicator
• Tough and solid steel housing

7. SMETA Propane Refrigerator

This particular unit belongs to a completely different type of RV refrigerators that don't use a compressor to keep your foods fresh. Instead, it uses the absorption technology which comes with one BIG benefit to you-a 100% noiseless operation, enabling to maintain a quiet environment in your RV.

The unit presents you with both a freezer and refrigerators compartment, both of which combine to offer you a spacious storage capacity for all your foods and beverages.

On the interior of this unit, you'll discover slide-out storage shelves, clear plastic crisper drawer, storage spot for a drinks on the door, and LED lighting to help you easily locate your favorite drink at night.

Unlike the residential refrigerator for RV, the absorption type fridges are compatible with different power supplies. this is well exhibited in this refrigerators; it can run on propane (LPG), 110VAC, or 12VDC. This makes it highly versatile, and convenient for you, as you can use any of the available power to power it up.

Highlighted Features:

• Propane electric absorption fridge
• 3-way powered: 110VAC/12VDC/LP Gas
• Consumes approx. 0.6lbs gas per day
• Dimensions: (W*D*H): 20.6*23.2*32.2inch
• Size: 3.0 cu ft refrigerator & 0.4 cu ft freezer
• Slide out storage shelves
• Noiseless operation

8. ICECO VL60 63 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator

As we draw closer to our top rated RV refrigerators list, we have this portable refrigerator from ICECO occupying our 8^th spot. The unit comes designed not only for RVing but also for truckers. For this reason, it features an extremely sturdy, shockproof design to enable it to hold up to all the hardships the bumpy road has to offer.

The portable unit is also pretty versatile as it takes in both DC and AC power sources. Both the AC and DC power cables come included in the box to facilitate easy connection to the respective power sources. And unlike similar models, this ICECO even features a built-in AC adapter to facilitates plugging into the socket.

Another thing that makes this unit a perfectly suitable caravan fridge is its 40-degrees operation. In other words, it's designed to continue operating in slopes under 40 degrees, ensuring it continues keeping your foods chilled/frozen even when the road gets tougher.

Apart from a durable, shockproof design, this unit also features a rainproof design that enables it to fully withstand the harsh environmental conditions you might run into.

Highlighted Features:

• Shockproof, impact-resistant design
• Compatible with AC and DC power sources
• Built-in AC adapter for easy plugging in
• Large 9 Can/355ml Capacity
• Dual-zone cooling compartment
• Powerful SECOP(Danfoss) Compressor

9. Kuppet Compact Refrigerator Mini Refrigerator

The Kuppet mini refrigerator also makes a perfect choice for those looking for the best RV mini fridge. It features a sleek, small, space-saving design that brings together contemporary style and cutting-edge fridge technology to ensure you have the best refrigerator in your RV.

The 2-door fridge may look small but offers you a pretty large capacity-with both a fridge and freezer compartment-to help all your foods fresh while on the go. The upper freezer compartment holds ice and other treats while the lower fridge compartment holds fruits, veggies, drinks, eggs, and more.

With its incredibly accurate temperature control, you can trust this unit to maintain the freshness of your foods, regardless of the ambient environmental conditions.

You'll appreciate the reversible door design with space for canned drinks as well as a 1-liter compartment for your favorite soda or wine bottle. The interior LED bright light enables you to easily locate your favorite food or drink at night.

Unlike most of the fridges in the same price bracket, this Kuppet operates with incredibly low noise (i.e. no more than 40dB), translating to a quieter, more peaceful environment in your RV.

Highlighted Features:

• Sleek, compact design
• Dimensions: 19.1 W x 33.5 H x 20.1 D inches
• Extremely quiet operation
• Accurate temperature control
• Reversible door w/drinks compartment
• Adjustable tempered glass shelves
• Convenient LED interior light

10. Dometic DM2652RB Americana Double Door RV Refrigerator

Closing our best RV fridge reviews is another American double door RV fridge, proudly designed by Dometic, another respected manufacturer of top-of-the-line home and RV appliances.

This is an incredibly versatile RV refrigerator with 2-way power-110VAC or LP Gas, letting you choose which power to use. It comes with an incredible capacity of up to 6 cubic feet, enough to meet the needs of a family traveling in RV.

Inside the unit, you'll be awed by the 3-position freezer shelf for easy organization, adjustable shelving system, removable door bins, large bottle storage, and dual crispers.

The fridge automatically control the cooling unit based on the surrounding temperature. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your food will remain fresh no matter the outside temperature conditions.

With its sturdy steel construction, this unit can withstand the rigorous RV lifestyle and last for an extended period of time. And with its electric control panel coming up to your level, operating it becomes quite easier and more convenient for you.

We all know that the ride can get bumpy at times and this can make your fridge contents to spill out or get disorganized inside there. Luckily, this Dometic doors feature secure locks that keep your contents safe inside the unit.

Highlighted Features:

• Large 6 cu. ft. capacity
• 3-position freezer shelf
• User-friendly control panel
• Adjustable shelving system
• 2 crispers with 2-way operation
• Solid steel frame construction

RV Refrigerator Buying Guide

If you want to get the perfect refrigerator for your RV, then here are some KEY considerations you need to keep in mind:

Size

One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for the best RV fridge is its overall physical size/dimensions.

If you're looking for a replacement unit, things will be a bit easier for you as you'll just need to get the specifications of your existing model and look for a new replacement with the same size.

If getting an RV fridge for the first time, then you need to obtain measurements of the available space in your RV. These will guide you into picking a perfect size, and save you the frustration of later finding out you got a unit that fails to fit the allocated space.

You should also keep in mind the size of your RV door where the new unit will pass throng, as well as the turns you'll need to make until the appliances reaches its new destination.

Capacity

After determining the physical size, the next thing you should focus on is the how much storage space comes with the refrigerator (usually expressed in cubic feet).

Needless to say, how big a storage capacity you need usually depends on your specific storage needs. If you just need a space for carrying a few drinks for a short trip, then space might not be an issue for you.

For RVers who plan to stay on the road for longer, then you'll need to get a unit large enough to hold all your foods and beverages. Most importantly, check the interior of the unit to see if it can fit the large food items easily and whether it offers shelves for easy organization.

The RULE of thumb is to always get a unit with a slightly higher capacity than you think you need.

Power source

When you go shopping for RV refrigerators, you'll discover that most of them are usually versatile in terms of the power supplies they can work with. They can use electrical (AC), battery (DC), and propane power sources.

The electric models are somewhat similar to the units we use in our homes. These units can only be used in areas with AC power supply.

The LPG models are highly efficient and work silently. However, they require a lot of work to set up, especially if you haven't installed a fridge in your RV before. They also need to stay level to continue working.

And the battery-operated models promote portability as you can use them anywhere.

We advise you to get a refrigerator that comes with more than of these power options to give you flexibility on how to power them up deepening on the available power sources.

Installation

When looking for the perfect refrigerator for your RV, don't forget to check its ease of installation.

Even if a model says it's DIY installation, don't just believe that installing it will be easy for you. Some parts might be challenging for you to set up, especially if you're not as handy.

if buying online, check the previous user reviews will help you uncover whether a model is easy to install or if it needs a professional setup.

Cost

The cost of these appliances tend to vary from model to model. Fortunately, there are multiple models with affordable cost if you have a tight budget. But these units usually come with not so good quality, limited features and storage space.

If you want to get the best unit available, you've to dig deeper into your pockets; you might have to spend up to $900. Some high-end models even go as high up on the price ladder as $300.

Special features

RV fridges also come packed with a whole list of extra features. These are usually convenient features meant to make your life easier when using your new unit.

We urge you to go through the features of every model you consider as a potential buy to help you see what features feel convenient for you.

For instance, you might consider looking for unit with a 2-door design, built-in smart system, anti-freezing ability, adjustable temperature, etc.

RV refrigerator troubleshooting

You know what? Even the best RV refrigerators sometimes malfunction or even stop working completely. When this happens and you're far, far away from a repair shop, what do you do?

This quick handy troubleshooting guide will cover the MOST common RV refrigerator problems, how to fix them, and hopefully bring your unit back up again.

Pilot light keeps burning out?

The pilot, or burner jet, is tasked with triggering the fridge burners in a propane RV fridge.

If you find out that it's not working, the first thing you need to check is whether the thermocouple is operating properly. The work of this component is to regulate how much gas is in ridge burner at a time. If the component isn't working, replace it with a new one.

If the thermocouple isn't the problem, the issue could be the pilot light gas light having too much air in it. You can fix this by powering down the unit's gas valves and then resting them.

You should now see your pilot light o and fully functional!

Faulty burner?

if you're experiencing a faulty burner, then it's possible that it has burned out for using the propane to run your RV fridge at high altitudes of over 5,550-feet altitudes.

Altitude tends to put a strain on the liquid propane, so you should consider switching to alternative power source, AC or battery, if you reach such high altitudes.

In case you didn't switch to another power source on time and the burner starts malfunctioning, then it might be because excess air found its way into the gas supply line.

To fix this, reset your refrigerator and purge the propane cylinders to get rid of the excess air.

Ammonia sediment build up in your RV refrigerator?

This is a common issue with older RV refrigerators and occurs when you leave your recreational vehicle (and hence your unit) unused for a long time.

When you start reusing the unit again, the ammonia sediment will have build and limit the liquid ammonia from flowing as it should, and it won't keep your foods cool.

How to fix it? The best way to fix this issue is to prevent it from happening in the first place…by ensuring you don't leave your unit inactive for a long time.

If it has already happened, try unplugging the fridge, take it outside and flip it outside down to make the sediment move away from the cooling unit.

Keep in mind, though, that this is a temporary solution and doesn't always work for long.

In the end, you might have to replace your fridge with a brand new unit to help fix this issue for good.

Leaking cooling unit?

The cooling unit of your refrigerator leaking is another common issue reported by many RVers.

One way to know if you have a cooling unit leak is the strong smell of ammonia in your RV. Another indicator for a leak in the cooling unit involves having a hot absorber but a warm boiler.

This is a bit more complex issue and you usually have two options-replace the refrigerator or reconstruct the cooling unit. If the damage causing the leak isn't that bad, you might consider repairing the unit (you'll need to hire a professional for this part).

If the damage is extensive, however, you'd be better off buying a new unit. This is cheaper than spending on the repairs of the current unit.

Fridge working with only propane and not electric power source?

If you find out that your 2-way or 3-way fridge is only working with propane and not the 110VAC, then you should consider inspecting its power source as well as the heating element. Be on the lookout for any worn out fuses and circuits.

You can also use a voltmeter to help you check whether all your unit's electrical components are in good condition.

If the opposite happens-where the unit only works with 110VAC power but not LPG-first you need to check if you have depleted propane gas.

If you still have enough gas, then study whether its flame goes off immediately you try starting up your unit. If yes, then the thermocouple is problematic and needs replacement.

If the flame remains lit, check its quality. If it looks dull, vacuum around the jet to help eliminate as much dirt as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my RV refrigerator with a standard refrigerator?

A: Yes, it's possible to replace your RV refrigerator with a standard home refrigerator. The latter not only gives you a home feeling but also comes with a larger storage capacity, is more efficient, and tends to last longer.

Before you swap your RV fridge with a residential unit, however, it's worth putting into consideration factors such as size, space, weight, power, and lifespan.

Should I leave my RV refrigerator on?

A: No, you don't have to leave your RV fridge on all the time.

You see, these units are designed for RV lifestyle, which means the manufacturers have in mind the need to frequently turn them on/off when designing them.

That said, leave your refrigerator on for longer increases the energy usage, and energy wastage, whether you're running it off electric or propane power source.

As a general rule, you should consider turning on your RV refrigerator 24 hours before you go out camping to give it enough time to sufficiently cool down.

How long do RV fridges last?

A: RV refrigerators usually come with a pretty long lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Models from top brands such as Dometic tend to last for even longer than this. Don't get surprised when you hear an RVer saying their unit is holding strong 25 years later!

Will my RV refrigerator work while driving?

A: Absolutely! You can still run your fridge to keep your foods and drinks fresh while driving.

However, keep in mind that there are some concerns about running your fridge off the propane while driving. The biggest risk is the possibility of a fire hazard, say when the propane line develops a leak. However, with prior proper safety checks on the propane, you have nothing to worry about.

Or if you're using a fridge compatible with more than one power source, you might consider powering it using battery while driving as its more convenient and can keep the unit running until you reach your destination.

Why are these so expensive?

A: Refrigerators meant for use in RV are expensive because they're constructed using stainless steel metal. And, unlike the residential units, they have no plastic moving parts.

This type of construction is necessary to enable them to withstand the constant vibrations they encounter when riding on the road.

Will RV fridge work if not level?

A: Unfortunately, your RV refrigerator needs to be level in order to operate correctly. Unlike your home refrigerator, this unit heavily relives on gravity to help keep your foods fresh. This explains why you need to keep it level.

If you're using an older model, then it's even more important to keep it level. Experts recommend that the farthest a unit can go off level and remain functional is plus or minus 2 degrees (i.e. half a bubble out of level line).

The newer models are usually more tolerant, so they might continue working when a bit far off level line.

Final Verdict

Now that you know how to choose the best RV fridge, including the key considerations to make, picking the perfect model for your unit from the varieties out there shouldn't be a problem for you.

We have also given you our list of some of the top-rated RV refrigerators you can find on the market today. Own one of these top best RV refrigerators and you'll never have to worry again about your food and beverages going bad when camping.

Buy them at Walmart, eBay, Etsy (limited quantity)

SMETA Propane Refrigerator with Freezer, Large Gas Fridge Absorption Camping Refrigerator - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

NORCOLD INC 2-Way Ac/Lp 2Dr Rh 8' Rv Refrigerator - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Refrigerator/Freezer for RV, Trucks, Boats, Camping - - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Midea WHD-113FSS1 Compact Refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay